Franklin Performing Arts Company to hold open auditions

FRANKLIN — Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for an in-concert production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” on June 3 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St.

Auditions will begin at 11:30 a.m. for ages 14-17 and continue at 12:15 p.m. for adults. Participants should prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show.

Presented with minimal set, but fully costumed, staged and choreographed, Spamalot in concert will also feature live musicians. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. July 28-29 at The Black Box as part of the third annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 26-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District, with events presented free of charge.

“Spamalot” tells the tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the musical parody likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, “Spamalot” features shenanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, a flatulent Frenchman and killer rabbits. Outside, there is plague with a 50 percent chance of pestilence and famine. Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant, Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” and received 14 Tony Award nominations.